Rome Underground Private History Tour

Embark on an exclusive private tour of underground Rome, guided by an expert who will reveal the hidden layers of the city’s fascinating past. Your journey begins at the Basilica of St. Clement, where a medieval basilica sits atop a 4th-century church, which itself was built over a 2nd-century Mithras pagan temple and a late 1st-century Roman house. This site is a stunning testament to the city’s architectural and religious evolution through the ages.
Continue your exploration into the haunting Christian catacombs, a sprawling labyrinth of tunnels where early Christians secretly laid their dead to rest. This subterranean world offers a rare and poignant glimpse into Rome’s early Christian history—an inspiring story of faith, secrecy, and resilience during a time of persecution. An unforgettable experience that brings the Eternal City’s past to life in the most compelling way.

Meeting Point

Via del Cardello, 31

Via del Cardello, 31, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

The quickest way is to exit the Colosseo station, turn right onto Via del Colosseo, and continue straight until you reach Via del Cardello; number 31 will be on your right.

What's included:

• St Clement Church visit & tickets
• Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars visit & tickets
• Expert Private English-speaking guide

What to expect:

Duration: between 2 hours and 3 hours

Basilica of San Clemente

Via Labicana 95, Rome, 00184

The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is a remarkable archaeological and historical site in Rome, renowned for its layered history, including a 4th-century church built over a 1st-century Roman house and a 12th-century basilica, showcasing the evolution of Christian architecture and Roman culture. Private golf cart tours offer a unique and comfortable way to explore the basilica and its complex, allowing visitors to easily access different levels and areas of the site while learning about its fascinating history from expert guides. These tours are perfect for those seeking an intimate, convenient, and informative experience, providing a deeper understanding of San Clemente's significance in early Christian and Roman history.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Circo Massimo

Via del Circo Massimo, Rome, 00186

A private tour guide at Circo Massimo offers an enriching experience of one of ancient Rome's most iconic and historically significant sites, originally built in the 6th century BCE as a massive chariot racing stadium capable of hosting up to 250,000 spectators. The guide will narrate its evolution from a hub of Roman entertainment and public gatherings to a symbol of Roman engineering prowess, touching on its role in ancient political and social life, including events, games, and ceremonies. They will also highlight the archaeological remains visible today, such as the ancient track and surrounding ruins, providing insights into Rome’s grandeur and the site's influence on urban development over centuries. A private tour ensures personalized attention, allowing visitors to fully appreciate Circo Massimo's rich history and its importance as a cultural and historical landmark in Rome.

10 minutes

Bocca della Verita

Piazza Della Bocca Della Verita, Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome, 00186

A private guide exploring the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) enhances the visit by providing engaging insights into its fascinating history, dating back to ancient Rome when it was believed to serve as a drain cover in the portico of the Temple of Hercules Victor. The guide explains the legend surrounding the sculpture, popularized in modern times by films like "Roman Holiday," where it was thought to bite off the hand of liars. Visitors learn about its artistic style, historical significance, and the role it played in medieval and Renaissance Rome as a symbol of truth and justice. With a private guide, guests can enjoy a personalized, detailed storytelling experience, making the visit more meaningful and memorable while exploring the surrounding Roman Forum and nearby attractions.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Piazza Venezia

Rome, 00187

The guide will illuminate the square’s rich history, from its origins in the medieval period to its transformation during the Renaissance and modern times, highlighting key landmarks like the imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (Altare della Patria), which commemorates Italy’s unification. Visitors will learn about the square’s role as a symbol of Italian nationalism, its connection to Mussolini’s fascist regime, and its importance as a hub for political and social history. A private tour ensures personalized storytelling, allowing guests to fully appreciate the architectural grandeur and historical layers that make Piazza Venezia a central piece of Rome’s cultural tapestry.11

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Museum and Crypt of Capuchins Friars

Via Vittorio Veneto 27, Rome, 00187

A private guided tour of the Cappuccini Crypt (Cripta dei Cappuccini) offers an intriguing journey into Rome’s macabre yet fascinating history, as the crypt is renowned for its bone decorations and ossuary containing the remains of thousands of Capuchin friars from the 17th and 18th centuries. The guide explains how the crypt was designed as a meditation on mortality and the transient nature of life, reflecting Baroque artistic expressions and religious beliefs. Visitors learn about the historical context of the Capuchin order’s devotion to humility and death, the symbolism behind the skeletal displays, and the crypt’s role as a site of spiritual reflection. With a private guide, guests can delve deeper into the spiritual, artistic, and historical significance of this unique and somber monument, gaining a profound understanding of its place in Rome’s religious and cultural history.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included